Amusement device



Feb. 21, 1939.

Filed April 26, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 H H is I 441 a FIG. 4

M0555 GOLDMAN INVENTOR Mb m@ ATTORNEYS I Feb. 21, 193 9 GQLDMAN v 2,148,346

AMUSEMENT DEVICE Fi led A ri'i 26, 1938 s Sheets-Sheet 5 M0555 Gan/WAN i INVENTOR ATTORN EYS Patented Feb. 21, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AMUSEMENT DEVICE Moses Goldman, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application April 26, 1938, Serial No. 204,420 2 claims. (01. 273-104) This invention relates generally to amusement devices and more particularly to a novel game of skill of the type comprising a combination of hoops and a plurality of targets, especially a 5 game of this type including a new and improved electrical score displaying mechanism functioning in conjunction therewith.

It is among the major objects of the present invention to provide a novel amusement device of the type hereinbeiore generally referred to,

comprising a game of skill including in combination a plurality of hoops and targets adapted to receive said hoops, and a new and improved score displaying mechanism whereby the location of hoops on any of several targets actuates said mechanism.

Another important object'bf the present invention resides in the provision of novel target meansadapted to receive and cooperate with hoops tossed thereon whereby the score displaying mechanism is actuated.

Another object is the provision of a novel game board comprising a plurality of targets of the type hereinabove referred "to, arranged in predetermined relationship and associated with said score displaying mechanism whereby hoops may be tossed on any of the several targets independently and without interference with other targets whereby said score displaying mechanism is actuated.

An additional and important object is the provision of a novel and improved game device as hereinbefore referred to, formed of metallic members and adapted to oooperate with metallic hoops tossed thereon whereby electrical circuits are altered, actuating a visible score displaying mechanism.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an amusement device including means i for receiving a plurality of hoops when tossed upon one of several relatively stationary target numbers, and means for visibly displaying the total number of target numbers so engaged with said hoops.

It is also an object of the present .invention to provide an amusement device and novelgame board comprising a plurality of relatively. stationary standards, toward which a plurality of hoops are thrown and upon which said hoops can be positioned in any of several localities on said game board, combined with an electrical circuit .wherein means are provided;for visibly and/or audibly indicating the numberand/or position of hoops engaging the said members.

, It is a further and additional object of the comprising targets and from the viewpoint of fabrication, whereby economics concomitant thereto result during the course of manufacture.

Another feature is that the novel structure according to the invention is of relatively rugged construction and, accordingly, is not easily damaged by. rough handling or prolonged use.

p A novel feature of the amusement device according to the present invention is that means are included therein for the playing of a game in relative darkness, in which case target lights are electrically illuminated by connection to an appropriate source of current and a cooperating score displaying mechanism are electrically illuminated through association with electrical circuits connected with the targets.

Other objects, features and advantages of .the

new and improved amusement device according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art during the course of the following description.

Regarded in certain of its broader aspects the present invention comprises a novel game and score board adapted for use in conjunction ,with metallic hoops and the like and including a plu rality of spaced projecting target .members adapted to receive the hoops, said target members comprising electrically associated metallic elements connected with circuits whereby visual score displaying means are actuated.

In order to facilitate a fuller and more complete understanding of the matter of the present invention a specific embodiment thereof,

herein illustrated, will be hereinafter described;

it being particularly understood however that the embodiment illustrated is given solely by way of example and is non-limitative.

Referring, then, to the drawings Fig. 1 is substantially a perspective view of the now preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in playing position for use with one of the hoops positioned on one of the targets;

Fig. 2 is essentially a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the game and score board illus-' trated in Fig. 1, showing details of the construction thereof;

Fig. 3 is substantially a top plan view of one of the target elements showing a hoop positioned thereon in a portion of the game board, being shown in fragmentary sectional view;

Fig. 4 is essentially a detailed front view of a portion of the game board showing a hoop in position upon one of the target members; and

Fig. 5 is an essentially schematic electrical circuit diagram of the apparatus.

.An amusement device according to the present invention comprises a game and score board used in conjunction with a plurality of hoops, the hoops being formed of relatively light metallic electrically conductive material. The game board generally designated by the numeral It) comprises acentrally located portion ll, substantially circular in outline, having attached thereto, and preferably formed integral therewith, a score board I 2. In the presently preferred embodiment of the instant invention the game board H is formed of material having appreciable resilience whereby hoops striking same during playing of the game, as will be hereinafter described, are at least repelledor thrown back therefrom. The game and score boards are preferably supported upon front legs, generally designatedby the numerals I3 and I4, and rear legs l5 and Hi. It is to be noted that the legs are adjustably extensible, the leg l3 comprising portions Ba and I31: fastened together by connector members I3c, and the leg Hi comprising elements Ma and 14b held together by fastening means He passing through openings formed in the leg elements. Similarly, the rear legs are adjustable, the leg l 5 comprising elements I51: and |5b and the leg l6 comprising elements Mia and 5b held together by fastening means I50 passing through perforations formed in the leg elements. A spreader IBd, attached to the rear legs I5 and I6 serves to provide greater stability when the device is in use. It is preferred that rubber tips I! be provided on the bottom end of each of the legs to prevent slipping and sliding when the device is positioned on a relatively smooth surface. It is also preferred that the upper portion of the rear legs 05 and i6 be attached to the rear part of the score board as, for example, by means of the hinge it connected to the element I617, whereby 'the rear legs can be folded against the game and score board proper when the device is not in use. A chain l9, together with a similar chain (not shown) on the other side of the device, serves to connect the rear legs with the front legs, thereby limiting the movement of the former relative to the latter and to facilitating firmly holding the device in relatively stationary and proper tilted playing position. By adjustment of the length of the chains, it will be apparent that a greater or lesser cant can be imparted to the board as appears desirable. It will, of course, be understood that the front legs are substantially fixedly secured to the lower portion of the game board by fastening means not shown.

A plurality of target members 26, 2E, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 are mounted upon the game board I I, projecting outwardly therefrom and positioned substantially perpendicularly thereto, essentially-,. as shown. In the presently preferred embodiment of the instant invention, the shortest distance between adjacent target members is greater than the external diameter of the hoops used in conjunction therewith, whereby, during use of the device, hoops can be retained on the game board solely by engagement with the target members. It will, of course, be understood that inasmuch as the target members are positioned essentially perpendicularly relative to the surface of the game board, they are disposed obliquely relative to the surface whereon the device rests when the device is in a playing position, due to the fact that the supporting members serve to hold the game and. score board H and i2 disposed at a slight angle away from the vertical, relative to the supporting surface. It is preferred that the several target members be of different lengths inasmuch as relatively long members are more facilely engaged with hoops than are shorter members, whereby variations in score value, proportional to the difficulty of engaging a particular target member with hoops is possible.

Referring especially to Figs. 3 and 4, wherein a typical target member is illustrated, it will be noted that the member comprises a pair of cooperating L-shaped elements 30 and 3i, mounted in openings formed in the board it by means including nuts 32 and 33 receivable on and engageable with threaded portions 34 and 35, respectively, of the elements 30 and M. It will be noted that the free end portions 36 and 37 of the elements 30 and 3i are disposed in aligned adjacency but not adjoining, substantially as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. It will be noted that the distance between the end portions 36 and 3? of the elements 30 and 3!! is smaller than the width of the electrical conductive hoop 40 thereby preventing the hoop from entering the space when tossed toward the target members. Thus, in order to complete the circuit the hoop is required to rest upon each of the elements. Electrical illuminating means, generally designated by the numeral 36, is provided and positioned between the elements of the target member. It will be noted that location of the illuminating means 38 b tween the target elements as mentioned serves to protect the former when hoops are tossed on the latter or strike adjacent parts of the score board. It is preferred that the illuminating means 38 include an ornamental bezel 3Q having a transparent window formed therein of approprlate color.

Each of the target members 20 to 26, inclusive, is structurally substantially the same as the heretofore described target member comprising elements 30 and 3 i although the several target members preferably difier in length as hereinabove mentioned. It will be noted that inasmuch as the board H is formed of electrically insulative material, the elements 3|] and 3H are normally not electrically connected. When, however, a hoop 40 rests upon said target member it completes an electrical circuit between the elements 30 and 3i. The preferred electrical circuit operably associating the target members and the visible and audible score indicating means will be hereinafter described.

Referring especially to Fig. 5, a power source 5d connected through the switch 54 to the lamp 5'2 provides illumination of the game board and score displaying board. The lines from the power source .are connected to the primary of the transformer 54, and the secondary 55 of said transformer is connected on one side directly to the fee'diine 51 and through the switch 56 to the feed line 58 and on the other side to the feed line 59. A plurality of target lamps 60, BI, 62, 63. 643, 65 and 66 are connected across the feed lines 58 and 59 and, accordingly, are lighted when current is flowing and switch 56 is closed. As hereinbe- Bill till

fore described, each of the target members oomprises a pair of metallic elements-electrically connectible by a metallic hoop restingthereon. One

element of each target member is connected to 4 indicating mechanism as will be hereinafter deed to the feed line 59. Accordingly, when a hoop of the lamps 91 and 98, the other terminal of scribed.

It will be noted that Figure 5, with respect to score values only, is a back view of Figure 1 and, therefore, said score values should be read on Figure 5 from right to left so that they will correspond to the graduations of score values in Figure l'from left to right.

Referring now to the central target member 26, it will be noted that one of the elements thereof 10 is connected to the line 51 and the other element is connected through the line'90 to one terminal of the lamp 9|, the other terminal of said lamp being connected to thefeed line 59. The line is also connected toone terminal each of the lamps 92 and 93 located near the peripheral portion of the game board l0, the other terminal each of said lamps being connectrests upon the target elements 10 and 80, the lamps 9|, 9-2 and 93 are connected to the feed lines 51 and 59.

Referring now to the target member 2|, one element 1| of which is connected to the line 51 as heretofore described, it will be noted that the other element 8| is connected through the line to one terminal of lar'np 98, the other terminal of said lamp being connected to the feed line 59. The line 95 is also connected to one terminal each each of said lamps being connected to the feed line 59. Accordingly, when a hoop j'ests upon the elements 1| and 8| the lamps 9 8, 91 and 98 are connected toth'e feed lines 51 and 59.

Referring now to the target member 25, it will be noted that one element 12 thereof is connected to the feed line 51 and the other element 82 is connected to the line 99, said line 99 being conneeted to one terminal of the lamp I00, the other terminal of said lamp being connected to the feed line 59. The. line 99 is also connected to one terminal each of the lamps I02 and I03, the other terminal of each of said lamps being connected to the feed line 59. Accordingly, when a hoop rests upon the target elements 12 and 82, the lamps I00, I02 and I03 are directly connected to the feed lines 51 and 59.

Referring now tothe target member 22, it will be noted that one element thereof 13 is connected to the line 51 and the other element thereof 83 is connected to the line I05, said line |05 being connected to one terminal of the lamp I05, the other terminal ofsaid lamp being connected to the line 59. The line I05 is also connected to one terminal each of the lamps I01 and 08, the other terminal of each of said lamps being connected to the line 59. Accordingly, when a hoop rests upon the target member 22, connecting the elements 13 and 83 thereof, the lamps |06,-|01 and I08 are connected to the feed lines 51 and 59.

Referring .now to the target member 24, it willbe noted that one element thereof 14 is connected -to the feed line 51 andthe other element thereof 84 is connected to the line H0, said line being to one terminal each of the lamps H2 and H3, the other terminal of each of said lamps being connected to the feed line 59. Accordingly, when a hoop rests 'upon said target member 24, connecting the elements 14 and 84 thereof, the lamps I ll, 2 and 3 are connected to the feed lines 51 and 59.

Referring now to the target element 20, it will be noted that one element thereof 15 is connected to the feed line 51 and the other element thereof 85 is connected to the line H5, said line being connected to one terminal of the lamp H6, the other terminal of said lamp being connected to the feed line 59. The line 5 is also connected to one terminal of a buzzer 1, the other terminal of said buzzer being connected to the feed line 59. Accordingly, when a hoop rests on said target member 20, connecting the elements 15 and 85 thereof, the lamp 6 and the buzzer 1 are connected to the feed lines 51 and 59. It will be noted that this target member and also the target member 23, to be hereinafter described, provide means for audibly indicating score whenever a hoop rests thereon, in addition to the visible score displaying means, namely, in this instance, lamp 5.

Referring now to the target member 23, it will be noted that one element thereof 18 is connected to the feed line 51 and the other element thereof 86 is connected to the line I I8, said line I I8 being connected to one terminal of the lamp 9 and the other terminal of said lamp being connected to the feed line 59. Said line 8 is also connected to one terminal of the bell I20, the other terminal of said bell being connected to the feed line 59. Accordingly, when a hoop rests upon the target member 23, connecting the elements 16 and 85 thereof, the visual score indicating means, viz., the lamp ||9 and the audible score indicating means, namely, the bell I20 are connected to the feed lines 51 and 59.

During the playing of the game the player positions himself at a reasonable distance in front of the device and endeavors by tossing or throwing hoops to position same upon all of the target members. It will be seen that under certain conditions' the game can be played in substantially total darkness, inasmuch as each of the targets is provided with target illuminating means, hereinbefore referred to, controlled by the switch 58. As the hoops rest upon the various target members, theyactuate the audibleand visual scoreindicating means, as hereinbefore' described,

whereby various lamps positioned upon the peripheral portion of the essentially circular game board, and also the lamps of the score board are electrically associated with the power source. It

will be seen that not only can scoring be accom-' plished during the playing of the game in substantially total darkness, but also the scoring will be visibly displayed upon both game and score boards by the various lamps thereon positioned, as hereinabove described. 8

- It will also be apparent to those familiar with this art that certain modification can be made in the device according to the present invention, from the embodiment herein illustrated and described without departure from the spirit of the invention, as, for instance, the hereinabove described score mechanism can be modified by including and electrically associating therewith a sign whereon printed matter appears, adapted to be illuminated or otherwise exposed or emphasized in sections, as, for instance, by positicning an electric light behind each letter, when the sign is made up of a plurality of transparent or at least translucent letters or numerals whereby as hoops fall on the respective target members, parts of said printed matter are illuminated. It is preferred that all of the printed matter be illuminated by positioning one hoop on each of the several target members. This embodiment of the present invention is of a special value for amusement purposes, inasmuch as successive throwing of hoops often causes hoops positioned on certain of the target members to be knocked or removed therefrom, whereby the difficulty of positioning one hoop on each of the members is augmented. This effect can be made more pronounced by arranging the scoring system whereby the target members of shortest length are highest in score value and, accordingly, most desirable to a player endeavoring to make a high score. It will be noted that under these conditions an initially high score obtained by throwing the first or at least one of the first hoops in a game, can be materially altered during the subsequent playing of the game when the total score is the summation of the individual scores made by positioning hoops on certain of the target'members, whereby the final score of the player is broadly uncertain until the last hoop has been thrown. In other words, the score is highly flexible until all hoops are thrown. The first hoop may fall on a target member of the highest score, for example, 500, and on the next score may be knocked therefrom, whereby a total score is thereby diminished by 500. Therefore, until the game is completed, the player's score is variable, from high to low, and vice versa.

It will he understood, of course, that various score values can be applied to the lamps illuminated as aforesaid by positioning hoops on the respective target members and after a plurality of hoops have been thrown and engaged with the members the total score will comprise the sum of score points equivalent to each of the lamps illuminated in the upper portion of the score board.

It will, of course, be understood that instead of scores, penalties, forfeits and the like, can be imposed or awarded to the players making scores of predetermined value or to players positioning hoops on preselected target members.

It is preferred that the indicating lights on the peripheral portion of the target board and on the score board be of different colors whereby, if desired, individual players can attempt to light the lights of a particular predetermined or preselected color, or to actuate the audible score indicating apparatus, thereby providing a still further modification of the game as hereinabove described.

It is also to be noted that the amusement device according to the present invention, is substantially and exclusively a game of skill wherein proficiency is acquired through practice as contrasted to games oi. chance, wherein proficiency is not necessarily predicated upon practice but is largely the result of casual and fortuitous oc-' currences.

It is to be understood that this improvement is capable of extended application and is not confined to the'exact showing of the drawings nor to the precise construction described, and, therefore, such changes and modifications may be made therein as do not affect the spirit of the invention nor exceed the scope thereof as expressed in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An amusement device of the type described comprising a plurality of light hoops formed of electrically conductive material, a supported game board, electrically actuated visual and audible score indicating means mounted on said board, a plurality of substantially fixedly positioned projecting target members mounted on said board in spaced arrangement, each of said target members comprising a pair of cooperating L-shaped elements formed of electrically conductive material arranged with end portions adjacent without adjoining each other whereby a U- shaped configuration is presented, the distance between the ends of said L.-shaped elements being less than the width of the electrically conductive hoop, and an electrical'circuit associating said target members and said visual and audible score displaying means whereby a hoop tossed on one or said targets will rest on the outer portions thereof and complete electrical circuits causing said score displaying means to be actuated.

2. An amusement device of the type described comprising a plurality of -light hoops formed of electrically conductive material, a supported materially upright, though slightly inclined game board, essentially circular in outline and formed of electrically insulative material resilient substance, electrically actuated visual and audible score indicating means mounted on said board, a plurality of substantially fixedly positioned projecting members mounted on said board in spaced arrangement extending therefrom in substantially perpendicular relationship, said target members being of different length, 'each of said target members comprising a pair of cooperating L-shaped elements formed of electrically conductive material arranged with end portions adjacent without adjoining each other whereby a U- shaped configuration is presented, the distance between the ends of said L-shaped elements being less than the width of the electrically conductive hoop, and an electrical circuit associating said target members and said visual and audible score displaying means whereby a hoop tossed onto one of said targets will rest on the outer portions thereof and complete electrical circuits, causing said score displaying means to be actuated.

MOSES GOLDMAN.

Gil) 

